Lyrics and Liner notes

Lyrics and Liner notes

“VILE TYRANT AND THE MIDDLE MEN” written by: Naeemah Z. Maddox

ARTWORK BY: Lindsey Wavrek

Digital Release: July 23, 2017

“Vile Tyrant and the Middle Men” is Naeemah’s second full length album. More than 5 years in the making, this concept album serves as a statement analyzing the effect of mankind’s struggles on a macro (political) and micro (personal) level. Enhanced with the visual images created by Artist Lindsey Wavrek, this album is dense with color and texture. VTMM showcases a more complete view of Naeemah’s uniquely quirky compositional style. In progress for over a 5 year period, Naeemah recorded this album in her West Philly apartment on her iMac with a simple set up. Condenser mic, interface, midi keyboard and a whole lot of trouble shooting. Naeemah recorded all of the instruments on the album with the exception of Drums (Tony Flagiello) and Bass (Josh “Freshy” Cisario). These instruments include all flutes, violins, keyboards, vocals, drum programming and bass on two of the nine tracks. The result is an album that blurs and bridges the lines between progressive chamber pop and soul infused rock.

Josh “Freshy” Cisario – Bass on all tracks except #1, #7

Naeemah Z. Maddox – all songs and lyrics written, produced,

composed, performed,recorded and edited by NZM. All flutes,

violins, guitars, keyboards/ programming, vocals, Drum

programming on tracks #3, #7, Bass on tracks #1, #7

Recorded @ Sketchbot studios

Executive Producer: Naeemah Z. Maddox

All tracks Mixed by: Scott Radway

All tracks Mastered by: Brett Kull @Catapult Studio

Thank you multiverse.

Creating this album has been such a unique experience. Out of frustration and necessity I felt compelled to take my future into my own hands and create a DIY working model. This record would not have been realized without the help and encouragement from fellow peers, artists, and inspiring innovators. Thank you Scott Radway for working relentlessly on this project. Thanks for your patience and expertise. You have truly given me a gift.

Tony Flagiello, it’s always been a dream of mine to play with you. and every time we create, it’s a dream realized. I am so grateful for our friendship. Josh “Freshy” Cisario, I knew you were fam the day I met you. Thank you for your boundless enthusiasm and extreme care that you take with my music.

Tony and Freshy, you have made my songs come alive with your style, experience and sincerity. Thank you for your friendship and loyalty. I love you guys. Lindsey Wavrek, I have been inspired by you and your art from the first day we met. Your art is priceless and has inspired me throughout this process. Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into VTMM. I am beyond grateful, my friend. Matt Hollenberg – partner in time – Thank you for the endless encouragement, support, and partnership . Your creativity is a constant reminder to be relentless in the quest for musical excellence. I will always be your biggest fan. I love you. Additional thanks to: Mom, Dad, Lashanda, Ray White, Brett Kull, “Karly” Karl Hicks – my Homie, My former teacher, Mr. Dimitri Kauriga for igniting a spark and joy that is everlasting. Finally, Jen, Kira and Fizzgig for healing the Dark Crystal.

Special Thanks to: Donn Thompson Morelli for your kindness and invaluable advice. You are a wealth of knowledge and truly my sister.

Doug Grigsby, I truly treasure the time we spent on this project. I feel lucky to have been in the presence of such wit and creativity.